Tea Leaves

Rating:
Summary: Author Fred Lipp Does it Again!
Review: As a teacher and a parent I am always searching for books that will expand children's world view. Lipp's first book The Caged Birds was one of the most moving, poetic children's books I have ever read. It brought to life another world, yet its themes were totally accessible to American children and adults. I have been hoping this author would write another book soon and was so excited to get my hands on a copy of his newest gem, Tea Leaves. The little girl who is the central character in the book lives in Sri Lanka. Her story takes us to the tea gardens where women toil for our relaxing cup of tea, to the school Shanti attends and finally on a train to the sea which she has always longed to see. Buying the book is like buying a ticket to an exotic place. Lipp also subtly shows us the less romantic limits poverty can place on so many people. What I like most about this book is how it makes me want to appreciate the simple joys of life with more enthusiasm. Shanti soaks up with all her senses every part of the sea so that she can return to the mountain and tell her mom about it. I am left feeling like I too should soak up all the amazing things I take for granted each day. So few books now a days have this level of sensitivity and poetic appeal, I wanted to spread the word. Get your copy for your class or family and pick up Caged Birds too if you haven't already read it!
PS. This would be a great book to read in a creative writing unit on using all the senses.